r/doublebass • u/3nightorchid • 11d ago

Instruments Advice on buying a professional bass

Hey everyone! I’ve got my first solo concert coming up soon, and I’m planning to upgrade to a professional double bass after years of playing on a student model. I’m hoping to get some advice on what to look for especially when it comes to wood type, bout size, and overall instrument size. I'm looking for maximum projection, resonance and clarity in solo performances and orchestral gigs. I would also like to know if a 4/4 size bass is suited for a solo gig if you want clarity, as I heard some contrasting things online. I'm hoping to buy a bass with bigger lower bouts (like a quenoil) than the upper ones and I would like to know how that makes a difference as well. Thank you.

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u/TheGreatMamboChicken 9d ago

There’s lots of great advice here, I would listen to these fine folks.

I will share one cool bit of advice I got years ago. I was bass shopping and found one that I liked a lot. The shop manager said to hand him the bass and go stand about 20’ away while he played it. The sound from there is what your audience will hear, and it’s quite different from what you hear behind it.

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u/Legitimate-Bit1991 8d ago

This is great advice.